The family of a retired University of Hawaii professor who was murdered in Samoa wants her remembered for how she lived — and not how she died.

The family has also told media in Hawaii that they found about her death through Samoan media and not Samoa Police.

Retired Professor Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard was allegedly slain by Samoan playwright and author Papalii Sia Figiel two weeks ago in what is described as a gruesome homicide.

Prof. Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard was the aunt of former United States Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and state Sen. Mike Gabbard’s sister. Mike Gabbard told Hawaii News Now the family was searching for answers.

Prof. Gabbard was the first person of Samoan ancestry to become a full professor in the United States. She became an accomplished writer, teacher and environmental activist.

But for Mike Gabbard, she was the big sister who saved him.

“I owe Caroline a lot,” Mr. Gabbard told Hawaii News Now.

His sister was two years older and calmed his rebellious teenage recklessness.

“Caroline, she just always comes and takes me aside, ‘Mike just calm down. Just, here, why don’t you read this book?’ She got me into reading,” he said, pausing for a moment.

Prof. Gabbard did that for a lot of people as a UH English professor for over 20 years, the media reported.

She was also mentoring the woman who allegedly killed her: Playwright and poet Papalii Sia Figiel.

After hearing the news about his sister, Mike Gabbard said he couldn’t even get a call back from Samoan police.

“We found out actually the person’s name that she was also a playwright and author ... but we didn’t know any of the other details. And then until we started read about it in the media,” he said.

Media reports say Caroline Gabbard was killed with a hammer and a knife Saturday and the suspect turned herself in to police the next day.

“While we had forgiven her, we still want justice to be carried out. That’s the best thing to do,” Mr. Gabbard said.

For now, Mr. Gabbard remembers following his sister to the same college — also an English major, then back to Samoa to teach English, and back to Hawaii to raise his own family in public service.

“I could have ended up in prison and I was ... getting into all kinds of nonsense,” Mr. Gabbard said.

”But she just said ‘Hang in there. Mike. God loves you. Mom and Dad love you. Just stick with it.”

Mr. Gabbard said his sister had requested that she be cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean.

Papalii is currently in custody awaiting her first court appearance next week.